Brontophobia - GoMentor.com Brontophobia Brontophobia Often packaged together with astraphobia, which is the fear of thunderstorms, or keraunophobia, the fear of lightening, brontophobia is specifically the fear of thunder. One of the ten most common phobias in the world, this fear is actually present in both humans and animals. While a person may rationally understand that the thunder holds no danger for them, this often fails to ease their fears and without help a sufferer can become truly agitated during storms. Most common in children, this is still a very real fear that many people suffer from even into adulthood, which is why we offer online therapy for brontophobia here at GoMentor.com. First, however, here is a closer look at the symptoms and dangers associated with brontophobia. Symptoms of Brontophobia People who suffer from brontophobia will often be filled with anxiety during thunderstorms, even if they are safely in their home. Like most phobias, panic attacks, crying, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat can all occur while the person is in the grip of their fear.

Unique to this group of fears, however, is the interesting fact that most brontophobics will search out company to reassure them during a storm. This can drastically reduce the severity of their symptoms. People with brontophobia may also try to “hide” from a storm, covering their ears or climbing into closets. They will also pay attention to the possibility of an oncoming storm much more closely than other people, feeling an impending sense of dread that likely worsens their symptoms. Dangers of Brontophobia In extreme cases, brontophobics can become obsessed with watching weather reports and tracking storms during rainy weather. Sometimes, they may even refuse to leave the house without checking the weather first to know that they are going to be “safe” from the object of their fear. Occasionally this even leads into a kind of agoraphobia, where the sufferer refuses to leave their house because no place else is safe. The panic attacks can also have a detrimental effect on a person's body, with symptoms getting worse over time if not treated correctly. Treatment for Brontophobia Distraction is often the first key to treating brontophobia, which is one of the reasons having company during a storm can help abate the symptoms.

If the phobia is more severe, then professional help may be required. Here at GoMentor.com, you can find therapists who offer online therapy to help sufferers of brontophobia and their families understand and harness the fear related to this phobia. The therapists and professional counselors on GoMentor.com can give guidance while the online counseling can offer much needed emotional support. Definition of Brontophobia Brontophobia is characterized by a severe and often irrational fear of thunder that lasts longer than six months of a person’s life. Treatment options include therapy and counseling. Symptoms of / Reasons for Brontophobia Anxiety during thunderstorms A marked interest or even obsession with tracking weather patterns The need to seek out company during a storm A desire to hide from the storm An unwillingness to leave one’s house due to the potential danger of storms Related articles Do You Suffer From Brontophobia? [ ? ]Subscribe To This Site Do You Suffer From Brontophobia? Brontophobia known as Astraphobia, Keraunophobia, Tonitrophobia or the fear of lightning and thunder, especially affects children. However, the symptoms of this specific phobic condition are also quite apparent in adults and teenagers.

An individual suffering from this type of phobia tends to hate summer. This is because summers are seasons of occasional thunderstorms and lightning. Such individuals stay tight from May to September and feel relieved once the winters months are at the doorstep. Such thunderstorm obsessions can make you panic and prevent you from enjoying the rest of the months. Some common symptoms of brontophobia Panic attacks A rapid heart beat Sweaty palms The apprehensions associated with brontophobia at times can overwhelm you making you feel sick and restless. If you are a victim of brontophobia, you may try to combat the condition in your own way by trying to hide yourself. Small children who are extremely afraid of thunder and lightning tend to hide in places like inside the cupboards, under the stairs and under the bed. They look for places from where they will not be able to see or hear the storm. Brontophobia can make you dive for foxholes. You may run and shut the blinds, turn the radio off, turn off the lights and television, lie flat on the floor far away from the window or curl yourself up in the bed. You then just cover your head and try to sleep asking God to keep you safe and secure.

All these you do just to make sure that thunder and lightning can cause you no harm. Your condition may not have been such from the childhood. There was a time when you could dance and enjoy yourself in the rain. However, after that mishap when lightning shot from electric sockets in the parlor and out of the kitchen faucet during a terrible incident of hail and storm. After that it was an absolute blackout and thunder and lightning became the worst enemies of your life. Some usual characteristics of individuals suffering from brontophobia People who suffer from brontophobia keep on changing the television channels and stop where they could hear a news bulletin stating the weather of the day. This they do to ensure any chances of thunder and lightning. What is most pathetic is that such individuals know that their fear is irrational but cannot think of ways to get rid of the situation. If there is a chance of lightning, they keep on worrying who would be that first unfortunate one to receive a blow of light and thunder. A person suffering from brontophobia tends to be extra vigilant and have the habit of taking normal precautions more than what is required. Experts say that in case of victims suffering from brontophobia the apprehensive section of the mind has no link with the rational world.

When thunder affects this particular portion of the brain the victim may experience occasional panic anxiety attacks. How to get rid of brontophobia Self-help Neuro Linguistic Program genuinely works in treating this particular phobic condition. It is the fastest way of treating a phobia. With the help of such self-help NLP skills , you can create reality for yourself. In this way, it becomes easy for you to re-structure your mental set up and have a better grip over your emotions and sentiments in life. This is how self-help NLP techniques work for the not so better part of your mind. Therefore, now there is no need for you to close your doors and windows or hide under the bed before an approaching storm. With the help of effective self-help NLP methods , you can boldly combat brontophobia. Tired of Tiptoeing Around Your Fears? 15 Minutes From Now, You Could Be Phobia-Free. Yes, Cured! Whatever your phobia, regardless of how long you have suffered from it, despite the dreadful life limitations you have endured because of your fear, your phobia can be cured. What Is Astraphobia?

- Astraphobia Guide Astraphobia Guide Why You Fear Thunder And Lightening What Is Astraphobia? Astraphobia is the irrational fear of thunder and lightening. This is a specific phobia that tops the list of the most common phobias that people have. You may also hear it referred to as Astrapophobia, Brontophobia, Keraunophobia, and Tonitrophobia. It’s estimated that about ten percent of the American population suffers from this specific weather phobia. Animals, like dogs and cats, typically experience this phobia also. Symptoms A person suffering from Astraphobia will experience a high level of anxiety when it is storming outside. Some may even experience a full blown panic attacks. These symptoms include: Trembling Difficulty Breathing Impeding Sense of Doom or Death For most sufferers this condition is worse when they are left alone. Typically in the presence of other people sufferers are able to find reassurance in the stormy situation. But when left alone sufferers tend to panic. Staying inside of your house or under a roof is not enough cover form most people with this condition.

They tend to seek extra security hiding under a bed, in a closet, the basement, or any other space where they feel safer. As an extra measure many sufferers will turn up the radio, put on headphones, or blare the television to drown out the noise created by thunder and lightening. Sufferers tend to pay very close attention to the weather forecast. They constantly look at the weather channel and updates. Some severe sufferers will actually avoid going outside until they check the forecast to ensure there is no possibility of a storm coming so they don’t get stuck outside in it. Causes There are a couple of different reasons you may have developed this fear of stormy weather. Let’s take a closer look at each. Traumatic Situation Many people that suffer from this fear of thunder and lightening have experienced a traumatic event in the past that involved the rain, lightening, or thunder. Each person’s experience varies greatly. It could be that lightening struck something that was important to the person. A car accident in the storm that killed a family member. Or anything alike. Informational Experience For some sufferers their fear of stormy weather may be due to what they have been told, and not anything specific they experienced with the weather.

Reading informative books about traumatic events that happened due to thunder and lightening, watching films that depict this type of weather as scary or bad, and even parental cues of parents having Astraphobia and passing on the fear to their children. All of these informational stimuli can cause a person to develop this fear of thunder and lightening, even though the fear has not personally affected them. Treatment There are a few common means to dealing with phobias . Let’s take a look at your different options. In Vivo Therapy This is one of the most effective forms of treatment performed by a therapist. In dealing with Astraphobia your licensed therapist will expose you to images and videos of thunder and lightening. This method uses repeat exposure to desensitize your anxiety towards your fear. They typically do exposure in steps. For example, your therapist may show you images of lightening. Next they may play the noise of thunder and lightening. Last, they may bring in a video or expose you to a storm going on outside. With every different level of exposure you become more familiar with your fear as your therapists shows you that there is nothing to fear. This helps to reprogram the way your brain reacts to this fear.

Systematic Desensitization Therapy In this type of desensitization your therapist will teach you relaxation techniques to deal with your phobia. This session typically starts out with your therapists having you imagine the situation of lightening and thunder. They will ask you questions and take notes as what where your phobia developed from. When your anxiety level starts to get high, they will coach you through relaxing and deep breathing. This is repeated through many different sessions until you are able to be imaginatively exposed to your fear without getting anxious. By using your own relaxation and breathing techniques you can better control your body’s reaction to thunder and lightening. Self-Help Treatment There are numerous self-help programs out there for phobia sufferers. As most phobia are similar in the way the develop and how to overcome them, one program may be helpful a treating a variety of different phobias. If you are not comfortable speaking about your Astraphobia, this may be the best course of treatment for you. By following a step-by-step guide on the steps you need to take to overcome your phobia you can successfully cure yourself. Weather Phobia Signs and Symptoms By Tiffany Means Updated December 02, 2016.

Do you jump at every flash of lightning and rumble of thunder? Or monitor the TV whenever there's a severe weather threat near your home or workplace? If you do, it's very possible you have a weather phobia —a marked fear of or anxiety about a specific weather type or event. Weather phobias are included in the "natural environment" family of phobias—fears triggered by objects or situations found in nature. Why Am I Afraid? Phobias are sometimes described as "irrational" fears, but they don't always develop out of nowhere. If you've ever experienced a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado , or wildfire —even if you didn't suffer any physical injury or trauma—it's possible that the unexpected, sudden, or overwhelming nature of the event could have taken an emotional toll on you. You Might Have a Weather Phobia If...

If you feel any of the following in certain weather situations, you may suffer, to some degree, from a weather phobia: Anxiety and panic (heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea) continue reading below our video Test Your General Science Knowledge A desire to be around others when unfavorable weather is forecast or occurring An inability to sleep or eat during sever weather Helplessness when certain weather is occurring You change your schedule so that you can plan around ill weather You obsessively monitor the TV, weather forecasts , or your weather radio One in 10 Americans Are Afraid of Weather While you might feel ashamed to be afraid of something like weather , which most other people consider to be routine, please know that you're not alone. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 9-12% of Americans have natural environment phobias, of which 3% of that number are afraid of storms. What's more, some meteorologists can trace their interest in learning about weather back to a fear of weather. Let this encourage you that your weather phobias can be overcome! Coping with Weather Fears When your weather fear strikes, you may feel helpless.

But there are a number of things you can do, both before and during attacks, to help manage anxiety and stress. Learn how weather works. If you're afraid of something, the last thing you may want to do is willingly subject yourself to it. But sometimes, fear of something is rooted in a lack of knowledge of it. If you understand the reality of how weather works, you can better differentiate between threats that are real and those that are perceived in your mind. Read weather books, visit science museum exhibits, and learn about weather basics from your favorite weather company and links. (Your presence here on About Weather means you're already off to a good start!) Practice weather safety. Having an emergency plan in place may help put your mind at ease should bad weather actually strike. It can also make you feel like you have more control of the situation, and are not just a passive victim. Relax. While it's easier said than done, relaxing is one of your best defenses. To help keep calm, try engaging in activities that keep your mind occupied and off of the weather happening outside your door. Practice a favorite hobby or start up a conversation with friends or family. Meditation, prayer, music, and aromatherapy are other good options.

(Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, and almond are scents frequently used to ease anxiety.) To find out more, including what the most common weather phobias experienced among Americans are, read Afraid of the Atmosphere . Sources: Jill S. M. Coleman, Kaylee D. Newby, Karen D. Multon, and Cynthia L. Taylor. Weathering the Storm: Revisiting Severe-Weather Phobia . Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2014). Common Phobias And Phobia Treatments | BeatYourFears.com Common Phobias & Treatments 20+ Common Phobias & Phobia Treatments You only have to look at our list or phobias to see just how many there are … thousands … and the list grows regularly. You can view our Phobia List – simply Click Here >>> In this section we’ve taken the 20+ specific and most common phobias and you can find more information on these phobias along with treatment programs and ideas. As we have said previously – we’re only looking in depth at those most common phobias but treatments for other phobias will follow the same options and principles.

Is your phobia listed … 1- Acrophobia: Fear Of Heights Acrophobia is rightly defined as an irrational or morbid fear of heights. Most of us feel apprehensive when looking down from a height. However, those who suffer from acrophobia, extreme discomfort and intense feelings of panic far outside the normal range. Read More >>> Treatment: The Panic Away Program will work for every person who follows it correctly – with NO exceptions. It will show you that you can quickly and permanently cure your fear of heights and reverse the formation of panic attacks, OCD, Agoraphobia and Phobias – GUARANTEED and RISK FREE. __________________________________________________________ 2- Claustrophobia – Fear Of Enclosed Places Claustrophobia, the fear of getting trapped in small spaces, is categorized as an anxiety disorder. A person suffering from this phobia experiences an irrational fear of being closed-in. When triggered by certain situations or stimuli such as a crowded elevator, a room with no windows or an airplane, the fallout is often a panic attack. Read More >>> Treatment: If you have a phobia of enclosed places then we suggest you take a look at The Panic Away Program .

It’s designed and PROVEN to work for every person who follows the program correctly – without exceptions! __________________________________________________________ 3- Nyctophobia – Fear of the Dark It is very common for most people to be a little afraid of the dark. Nyctophobia (a.k.a. Lygophobia, Scotophobia) is more than just a simple and unexplained fear of the dark or of dark places, nyctophobia, if present, can be the most crippling fear which interferes in a negative manner with the everyday life of the victim. Read More >>> Treatment: Don’t let the fear of the dark take over your life anymore – take control again. Visit The Panic Away Program to find out how easy it is to overcome and cure Nyctophobia, the fear of the dark and quickly and permanently cure your fears and stop all associated symptoms. __________________________________________________________ 4- Ophidiophobia – Fear Of Snakes An irrational fear of snakes is referred to as ophidiophobia. A person having this phobia does not only show a morbid fear when in live contact with snakes, but also when thinking about them or seeing them on pictures or TV.

The fear of snakes is one of the most commonly reported phobias as about 30% of the human beings who are adults are ophidiophobic. Treatment: If you have an intense fear of snakes then take a look at The Panic Away Program – it’s guaranteed to provide an effective solution to EVERYONE with ophidiophobia, without exception. Follow the program and you can quickly and permanently cure your fear of snakes – it’s totally GUARANTEED and completely RISK FREE. __________________________________________________________ 5- Arachnophobia – Fear of Spiders Arachnophobia is an extreme fear of spiders. Spiders are not everybody’s favorite insects; they are hated by most people on the planet, but next only to snakes. Those suffering from arachnophobia have a disproportionate fear of spiders – a fear so intense that affects their daily lives. Read More >>> Treatment: You don’t have to live in fear of spiders – Beat Your Fears recommends The Panic Away Program – a proven self-help program that’s GUARANTEED to put an end to your fear of spiders once and for all and to reverse associated symptoms such as panic attacks, OCD, agoraphobia etc – it’s risk free and guaranteed to work.

__________________________________________________________ 6- Trypanophobia – Fear of Injections Trypanophobia refers to the extreme fear that some people have for injections or hypodermic needles. It is normal to feel some amount of discomfort when it comes to medical procedures involving injections, but a trypanophobic has such an extreme and irrational fear of injections that he/she either avoids any medical treatment or exhibits anxious or avoidant behavior. Read More >>> Treatment: If the mere thought or sight of a needle fills you with panic and dread, if the phobia is so intense that it’s affecting your life and health to the point you will not see a doctor no matter how unwell you feel then look at The Panic Away Program … it’s time to act! __________________________________________________________ 7- Brontophobia – Fear of Thunderstorms Brontophobia literally translates to fear of thunder and fear of thunderstoms. It is not the common apprehension that most of us feel but is an irrational terror and exaggerated fear of thunderstorms and lightning that is disproportionate to the danger that is presented.

Read More >>> Treatment: A fear of thunder and thunderstorms can really affect lives but there is a way you can overcome brontophobia and cure your fear of thunderstorms along with all associated conditions such as panic attacks and anxiety. Visit The Panic Away Program to find out more. __________________________________________________________ 8- Nosophobia – Fear of Disease Nosophobia (or nosemaphobia) is an overwhelming and all-pervading fear of disease – either having or developing a particular disease such as diabetes or cancer. Not to be confused with hypochondriasis – the fear that the physical symptoms currently present are manifestations of an undiagnosed disease. Read More >>> Treatment: Nosophobia, the fear of having or contracting a disease, can have a terrible effect on lives – living with such a phobia can have a serious affect on both ones mental state of mind and physical health. If you suffer from a fear of disease you must seek out help – there is a cure! __________________________________________________________ 9- Mysophobia – Fear Of Germs Also referred to as germophobia or bacteriophobia, mysophobia is the fear of germs and contamination.

It is normal for people to be concerned about contamination of foods and exposure to the body fluids of others in order to maintain good hygiene. However, in a person suffering from this phobia, referred to as a mysophobe, these concerns become overblown. Read More >>> Treatment: The Panic Away Program is a proven solution for anyone with mysophobia – follow the program correctly and it will work for everyone– with NO exceptions. It will show you that you can quickly and permanently cure your fear of germs and reverse the formation of panic attacks, OCD, Agoraphobia and Phobias – RISK FREE. __________________________________________________________ 10- Glossophobia: Fear Of Public Speaking Glossophobia refers to the fear of public speaking. A person may experience speech anxiety because of many reasons and some of them may be very complex due to the interplay of many factors. Most people feel nervous when they have to speak in public, but those who suffer from glossophobia feel extreme as well irrational fear. Read More >>> Treatment: Take a look at the Cure Public Speaking – Self Help Treatment Program. The Panic Puzzle will show you the way for you to conquer your fear of public speaking and take your professional and personal life to the next level.

__________________________________________________________ 11- Aerophobia: Fear Of Flying Aerophobia is an abnormal fear of flying and is also called by other names such as aviatophobia, pteromechanophobia, or aviophobia. Aerophobia can trigger anxieties in a person that will keep them away from flying. Those who suffer from this phobia go to great lengths and manage their lives in such a fashion so as to avoid flying. Read More >>> Treatment: Take a look at the aptly named “Take Off Today” program – you can visit the official website to see for yourself : FearofFlyingPhobia.com You CAN overcome your fear of flying, faster than you think. __________________________________________________________ 12- Necrophobia – Fear of Death & Dead Things Necrophobia is a term used for two distinct fears: the fear of death or of dead things. Though the fear of death is not uncommon, Necrophobia is an irrational fear of death in any form and it causes anxiety to such an extent that it disrupts normal living and affects the quality of life of the sufferer.

Read More >>> Treatment: For anyone who suffers from necrophobia, the fear of death and dead things, Beat Your Fears recommends The Panic Away Program – a proven self-help program that’s GUARANTEED to quickly and permanently cure fear of death. __________________________________________________________ 13- Aquaphobia – Fear of Water Many people may have a fear of water, but people who suffer from this phobia have a persistent and unnatural fear of water to the extent that it affects their day-to-day life. People may suffer aquaphobia in several ways. They may know that the water in a river, an ocean or a bathtub does not pose any threat, but they are unable to control the fear. Read More >>> Treatment: Aquaphobia, the extreme fear of water, can take over your life as indeed can any true phobia. The Panic Away Program is a guaranteed, proven and effective solution to EVERYONE with aquahobia. __________________________________________________________ 14- Emetophobia – Fear of Vomiting Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting and is very common. For different people, symptoms vary and so do the outcomes.

Whereas some people are terrified about becoming sick themselves (more so in public places), some others dread the thought of encountering others who may vomit. Read More >>> Treatment: Emetophobia doesn’t need to disrupt your life or affect your happiness. The Emetophobia Recovery System will help you learn how your fear of vomiting works, what makes it so powerful, and how to STOP the cycle! __________________________________________________________ 15- Carcinophobia – Fear Of Cancer Carcinophobia is a relatively rare phobia and it refers to the irrational and extreme fear of getting cancer. Individuals affected with this phobia most often exhibit symptoms that associated with other disorders like, for example, the obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia. Read More >>> Treatment: If the fear of cancer has taken over your life then help is at hand at The Panic Away Program – it’s a guaranteed, proven and effective solution to EVERYONE with carcinophobia, the fear of cancer. Follow the program and you can quickly and permanently cure your fears once and for all. __________________________________________________________ 16- Erythrophobia – Fear of Blushing Blushing is a common but uncomfortable feeling associated with embarrassment.

For some individuals, it is something more than mere embarrassment; it causes undue anxiety. An abnormal and exaggerated fear of blushing is called erythrophobia. Read More >>> Treatment: Erythrophobia can really affect lives – the fear of blushing and any attempt to suppress it will usually result in the blushing becoming worse and even more noticeable. Treatment is not complicated and there is a cure to overcome a fear of blushing. The Blushing Breakthrough Program is a proven, guaranteed and risk free program that we recommend … it works! 17- Zoophobia – Fear of Animals Zoophobia is a persistent and ever-pervading fear of animals. Zoophobia is a constant and irrational fear of all animals and extends to even harmless animals such as little kittens and domestic pets as well as the big creatures. Read More >>> Treatment: If the mere thought or sight of any animal fills you with fear and terror then take a look at The Panic Away Program – it’s a guaranteed, proven and effective solution to EVERYONE with zoophobia. Cure your fear of all animals – it’s totally GUARANTEED and completely RISK FREE.

__________________________________________________________ 18- Driving Phobia – Fear of Driving Fear of driving or driving phobia is very common – some individuals are scared of specific situations that they imagine they will encounter while driving, many others are simply terrified of sitting behind the wheel at all and will avoid driving at any cost. Read More >>> Treatment: If the fear of driving is affecting your life then fear driving no more … take a look at the Driving Fear Program – the most recommended program ANYWHERE for overcoming anxiety and fear while driving. You can learn to drive with confidence, peace of mind, and comfort and put an end to anxiety and panic attacks. __________________________________________________________ 19- Dentophobia – Fear of Dentists No one likes to visit the dentist, but some people experience a kind of anxiety that may turn into a fear or even a phobia. Dentophobia is a very common affliction and is also referred to as odontophobia, dental fear or dental anxiety. Read More >>> Treatment: A recent survey found that fear of dentists affects one in four people. However, it is likely to be a much higher figure in reality … it’s THAT common so you can see that you’re NOT alone!

Help is at hand in the form of The Panic Away Program – a program which, if followed correctly, is guaranteed to cure your fear of dentists and associated panic attacks, anxiety etc. __________________________________________________________ 20- Monophobia – Fear of Being Alone Monophobia refers to an acute fear of either being alone or having to manage in the absence of a specific person in close proximity. Whilst most people may feel lonely sometimes, a monophobic person experiences severe anxiety when he/she is left alone. This condition can be extremely frustrating and socially crippling for the sufferer. Read More >>> Treatment: The Panic Away Program is a highly recommended program that deals with monophobia and all related symptoms such as stress and panic attacks. It’s a fast and simple to follow program that’s proven and guaranteed to work – try it out completely risk free. __________________________________________________________ 21- Paruresis – Fear Of Urinating In Public Paruresis is the fear of urinating in the presence of others – also known as Shy Bladder Syndrome.

Paruresis is more than simple shyness – it’s a fear of exposure, or fear of being judged for not being able to urinate that effects people in different ways – some may not be able to use a public toilet, others may find it difficult to urinate while in moving vehicles, or are paranoid about sounds of their urination being heard by others … other cases can be even more severe. Read More >>> Treatment: The Paruresis Treatment System is a highly comprehensive set of resources developed by professionals and designed to help you quickly understand, confront, and overcome your paruresis or shy bladder with the convenience, privacy, and affordability of an at-home system. 10 Famous People and Their Phobias - Toptenz.net Toptenz.net Posted by Shell Harris on July 13, 2008 in People | 5,614 Views | 10 Responses Our list of the top 10 most crippling phobias was a hugely popular. With that in mind, here are 10 well-known celebrities and famous historic figures who have had or currently have their own phobias. 10.

Johnny Depp – Clourophobia, fear or clowns “Something about the painted face, the fake smile,” Depp told reporters once. “There always seemed to be a darkness lurking just under the surface, a potential for real evil.” 9. Sigmund Freud – Siderodromophobia, fear of train travel On the trip from Freiberg the train passed through Breslau, where Freud saw gas jets for the first time; they made him think of souls burning in hell. 8. Howard Hughes – Mysophobia, fear of germs Toward the end of his life, he lay naked in bed in darkened hotel rooms in what he considered a germ-free zone. He wore tissue boxes on his feet to protect them. 7. Marilyn Monroe – Agoraphobia, fear of public or open places Very odd that a actress would suffer from this, but another famous blond does as well, Kim Basinger. 6. Billie Bob Thorton – Panophobia, fear of antique furniture “Maybe it’s a past-life thing and I got beat to death with some old chair,” Thornton told Oprah Winfrey. “I don’t really know. But anyway … I’m totally serious.

And I can’t eat around antiques.” 5. Alfred Hitchcock – Ovophobia, fear of eggs. While filming the Birds, actress Susan Pleshette was chatised by Hitchcock’s assistant. “She said, ‘Don’t put your cigarette out in your eggs,’ ” Pleshette said. “‘He hates eggs, he hates cigarettes, and frankly, he hates you.’ ” 4. Natalie Wood – Aquaphobia, fear of water. She died by drowning. Natalie’s mother may have also caused her lifelong fear of water. It began when her mother lied to her about a bridge she had to cross in a movie scene. She said it was safe, but the truth is, it was rigged to collapse. 3. John Madden – Aerophobia, fear of flying Mr. Madden travels by bus for all of his job as a sports announcer. 2. Christina Ricci – Botanophobia, fear of indoor houseplants Ricci swears she’s afraid of houseplants. “They are dirty,” she said. “If I have to touch one, after already being repulsed by the fact that there is a plant indoors, then it just freaks me out.” 1.

Madonna – Brontophobia, fear of thunder Many dogs share with Madonna an irrational fear of thunder. Fear of Thunder and Lightning Phobia – Astraphobia You are here: Home / Phobias / Fear of Thunder and Lightning Phobia – Astraphobia Fear of Thunder and Lightning Phobia – Astraphobia Some people actually enjoy adverse weather conditions consisting of rain, lightning or thunder. Some even take great risks to study hurricanes and storm patterns while others simply love to experience rain firsthand, every now and then. In other cases though, animals and humans alike can develop an extreme fear of thunder, lightning or rainstorms. Such irrational fear of thunder or lightning is known by several names such as Astraphobia, Brontophobia, Tonitrophobia etc. Causes of Astraphobia Extremely common in children, most cases of excessive fear of thunder or lightning gradually diminish over the years. However, many adults are known to suffer excessively from Astraphobia mainly due to a prior traumatic event associated with such adverse weather. In many cases of Astraphobia, the sufferer is known to have experienced an electric shock when there is lightning and thunder outside. This leads to a fear of storms which persists through adulthood.

Many a phobic is also known to fear flooding which usually results from heavy rain. Such a person might have been negatively impacted by floods, lost a dear one or has had property damaged by it. People who are generally categorized as ‘high strung’ or ‘nervous’ and as having ‘general tendency towards fear and anxiety’ are more likely to develop an excessive fear of thunderstorms, lightning etc. Symptoms of fear of thunder and lightning An individual suffering from this phobia will constantly watch the weather channel to ensure all is fine with the weather. S/he might also install lightning rods on buildings for protection. In event of an adverse weather forecast, the Astraphobic might panic and experience severe anxiety. A variety of psychological and physical symptoms might be present including: Fainting/passing out for hours Rapid heart rate, shallow breathing Gasping, feeling like being choked Hiding in basement, bathroom, closet Constantly watching out for signs of storm, gluing oneself to the TV set particularly to the weather channel Crying or seeking constant assurance during a storm Closing windows, doors and curtains and trying to block out sounds of the storm.

Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress Freezing, refusing to move from the place due to the fear of thunder/lightning striking him. Having thoughts of death Astraphobia can sometimes lead to Agoraphobia where the individual refuses to leave his home on account of his fear of lightning and thunder. Diagnosis and treatment for fear of thunder/lightning phobia Diagnosing Astraphobia requires psychiatric evaluation along with written tests. These tests generally require the sufferer to write down answers to a series of questions related to his/her fears which help the expert reach a conclusion about the phobia. A combination of medications and psychotherapy can help treat Astraphobia. However, many a phobic has seen good results with self help techniques. These include deep breathing, positive visualizations, meditation and gradual exposure to thunder/lightning etc. Having a pet or a friend along at the time of thunderstorms is also known to help individuals cope with anxiety experienced during the thunderstorms. Most Astraphobics also feel safer in larger buildings such as schools, libraries etc rather than in their own homes. In case of Astraphobia in young children, it is important that parents soothe their child’s fear by remaining calm themselves.

Reassurance and distraction in the form of stories, jokes or music etc can also help calm a child and ease its fear of lightning or thunder. That being said, if the fear has not eased after several months, parents must seek immediate treatment to prevent it from developing into a full blown phobia of thunderstorms. Here are the Top 10 Books for Overcoming Phobias Psychotherapy in the form of desensitization, cognitive behavior therapy and virtual reality simulations etc are a few effective techniques that are proven beneficial in treating Astraphobia. What do you fear? Share your phobias with visitors on this site, read their stories and connect with them. Common Phobias: Agoraphobia, Claustrophobia, and More in Pictures Phobias Slideshow: What Are You Afraid Of? Loading Next Slideshow Fear vs. Phobia Fear protects you from danger. Phobias have little to do with danger. More than 19 million Americans have a phobia -- an intense, irrational fear when they face a certain situation, activity, or object. With a phobia, you may know your anxiety and fear are not warranted, but you can't help the feelings.

And they can be so intense they virtually paralyze you. See what makes some people afraid in the slides ahead. The Three Kinds of Phobia Hundreds of different phobias have been identified, including phobophobia or fear of phobias. But when talking about phobias, which are a kind of anxiety disorder, experts divide them into three categories -- agoraphobia, an intense anxiety in public places where an escape might be difficult; social phobia, a fear and avoidance of social situations; and specific phobia, an irrational fear of specific objects or situations. Agoraphobia: Fear of Public Places The agora was a market and meeting place in ancient Greece. Someone with agoraphobia is afraid of being trapped in a public place or a place like a bridge or a line at the bank. The actual fear is of not being able to escape if anxiety gets too high. Agoraphobia affects twice as many women as men. If left untreated in extreme cases, it can lead to someone becoming housebound. Social Phobia: Beyond Being Shy Someone with a social phobia is not just shy. That person feels extreme anxiety and fear about how he or she will perform in a social situation.

Will her actions seem appropriate to others? Will others be able to tell he's anxious? Will the words be there when it's time to talk? Because untreated social phobia often leads to avoiding social contact, it can have a major negative impact on a person's relationships and professional life. Claustrophobia: Needing a Way Out Claustrophobia, an abnormal fear of being in enclosed spaces, is a common specific phobia. A person with claustrophobia can't ride in elevators or go through tunnels without extreme anxiety. Afraid of suffocating or being trapped, the person will avoid tight spaces and often engage in "safety seeking behavior," such as opening windows or sitting near an exit. That may make the situation tolerable, but it doesn't relieve the fear. Zoophobia: A Menagerie of Fears The most common type of specific phobia is zoophobia or fear of animals. Zoophobia is actually a generic term that encompasses a group of phobias involving specific animals. Examples include arachnophobia -- fear of spiders; ophidiophobia -- fear of snakes; ornithophobia -- fear of birds, and apiphobia -- fear of bees.

Such phobias often develop in childhood and sometimes go away as the child ages. But they can persist into adulthood. Brontophobia: Fear of Thunder The Greek word bronte means thunder and brontophobia means fear of thunder. Even though people with brontophobia may realize thunder won't hurt them, they may refuse to go outside during a thunderstorm. They may even hide indoors by crouching behind a couch or waiting out the storm in a closet. An abnormal fear of both thunder and lightning is called astraphobia, a phobia shared by people and animals. Acrophobia: Fear of Heights Acrophobia is an excessive fear of heights and manifests as severe anxiety. A person could have an attack just walking up stairs or climbing a ladder. Sometimes the fear is so great a person can't move. Acrophobia can create a dangerous situation for someone who has it. An anxiety attack can make it extremely difficult to safely get down from whatever high place triggered the attack. Aerophobia: Afraid to Fly Someone who has aerophobia is afraid of flying. The phobia generally develops after a person has a traumatic experience involving an airplane, such as going through extreme turbulence or witnessing another passenger have a panic attack.

Even after the incident is forgotten, the fear stays and can even be triggered by watching film of a plane crash on TV. Hypnotherapy is commonly used to identify the initial trauma and to treat this phobia. Blood-Injection-Injury Phobias There is a spectrum of blood, injection, and injury phobias including hemophobia (fear of blood) and trypanophobia (fear of receiving an injection). Some people have an injury phobia, and others have a phobia about invasive medical procedures. These phobias are associated with fainting. Paranormal Fears Some phobias sound like they belong on the chiller channel on cable TV. Triskaidekaphobia is an abnormal fear of anything related to the number 13. If the thought of ghosts makes you overly anxious, you may have phasmophobia. And despite the fact that vampires aren't real, some people are terrified of bats. Their phobia is called chiroptophobia. Emetophobia: A Gut Feeling Emetophobia is an unnatural fear of vomiting that typically starts early in life from some traumatic episode. For instance, someone may have witnessed a schoolmate vomiting in public or done so himself.

The anxiety can be triggered by thoughts of vomiting or thinking of somewhere such as a hospital, where vomiting is common. As with aerophobia, hypnotherapy is commonly used in part of the treatment. Carcinophobia: Fear of Cancer People with carcinophobia or cancerophobia live with an irrational dread of developing cancer. Every bodily discomfort becomes a sign for them that they have a malignant growth somewhere inside. A headache, for instance, is a sign for them that they have a brain tumor. Cognitive therapy can help someone with carcinophobia regain control of their life. Phobias From New to Old Someone who fears anything new has a neophobia. And someone who is afraid of growing old or afraid of old people has a gerontophobia. Somewhere in between, you might find someone with phartophobia, which is an unreasonable fear of passing gas in a public place. Someone with odontiatophobia will go out of his way to avoid going to a dentist. And a spargarophobic individual will panic over a plate of asparagus. Life-Altering Effects of Phobias Phobias cause people to change how they live in order to avoid the object of their fear. But their life is also affected by their attempts to conceal the phobia from others.

Some people with phobias have problems with friends and family, fail in school, or lose jobs while struggling to cope. Phobias and Alcohol Alcoholics can be up to 10 times more likely to suffer from a phobia than those who are not alcoholics. And phobic individuals can be twice as likely to be addicted to alcohol as those who have never been phobic. A Family Connection Although phobias can be influenced by culture and triggered by life events, they tend to run in families. Immediate family members of people with phobias are about three times more likely to have a phobia than those without a family history. Treating Phobias Desensitization is a process of gradually exposing someone with a phobia to circumstances that resemble what he fears. Over time, the fear lessens as the person builds confidence. This is often accompanied by talk therapy to help the person change how he or she thinks and develop new patterns of response to situations that might trigger the emotions associated with a phobia. The good news is treatment helps 90% of people who follow through. Learn More About Phobias These associations can provide you more information about phobias: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Counseling Association,

Question: Of what does someone suffering from brontophobia have an irrational fear?
Answer: Thunder